Doors from which solid wood are made and which ones are better
Wooden doors are made from different species, but in our material we will consider the most popular: pine, birch, alder, beech, ash, oak. In the same order, they should be in order of increasing value.
Pine is the most inexpensive (a normal door costs from 7,000 rubles per sheet) and is the most unusual in terms of its properties. Due to its low density, it has a very low thermal conductivity (which means it keeps heat well, and indirectly, good sound insulation).
Due to its natural resinous content, it resists the influence of high humidity. Given these two properties, it is understandable why pine doors can be found in saunas and steam rooms, even in their raw form.
Solid wood door pine coated with white wax
The same resinousness plays against the manufacturers of pine doors, when it is necessary to make a high-quality coated product for an apartment or house. You need to dry the pine for a long time and correctly. If you do not dry it out or you simply do not have luck, then the finished product will crack or yellow spots will appear on the coating.
Therefore, when buying pine doors, pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer
The pine has a beautiful, pronounced natural pattern, but the surface is very soft, therefore, marks appear on the doors over time. Pine is usually covered with translucent coverings. Dense enamel is rarely used, because cracks may appear.
Next, we have birch and alder on the list. Purely in terms of consumer properties, they are somewhat similar. And the doors from them cost about the same, from 12,000 rubles per sheet. The surface of birch and alder is slightly harder than that of pine, so these doors retain their ideal appearance longer, and they also do not have a tendency to crack. Their wood is denser, so the insulation performance is worse than that of pine.
Solid alder door with walnut patina
These rocks are excellently processed and polished to perfectly flat surfaces. After drying, they are very stable, but they do not like water. Therefore, doors made of birch and alder, in contrast to pine, are often covered with dense compounds, painted with enamels. They do not have a pronounced natural pattern, the pattern of annual rings is almost invisible. Birch without coating is milky white, alder is slightly pinkish. After tinting, the surface is calm, noble.
All the same about the appearance and finish can be said about the beech, only it is much stronger and harder. A beech door leaf can be bought from 18,000 rubles.
Well, oak and ash combine all the advantages: a very beautiful bright pattern, the wood is strong, solid, perfectly processed and then does not throw surprises like pine. Therefore, these doors are the most expensive, from 22,000 rubles per sheet. In oak and ash, the drawing is usually not painted over, but they make it even more vivid and expressive. Different techniques are used for this: two-color tinting, etching, brushing, etc.
Solid ash door with beautifully selected lamellas
You can distinguish oak from ash by the core rays, ash does not. Ash is not suitable, unlike oak, for the manufacture of external doors, because the environment affects him badly. Oak entrance doors, on the other hand, are very popular.
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Coating design and appearance
None of the materials for the outer coating of door leaves impose any significant restrictions on their design. Doors can be paneled, with glass, other decorative inserts or with drawing on its surface.
Veneer.The surface has a characteristic woody pattern - most often it is varnished, less often it is painted.
Laminate. Manufacturing technology allows you to apply any pattern to the surface, but mostly buyers choose monochromatic wood-like colors.
Eco-veneer. Mostly this is a construction of monochromatic colors with a structure of the outer coating characteristic of wood. In addition to the fact that eco-veneer imitates a wood structure, its advantage is the ability to paint the surface in different colors during production and get, for example, blue wood. At the same time, the colors for different doors will be exactly the same.
PVC film. The manufacturing technology does not impose any restrictions on the color and design of such doors, especially since it is possible to use relief embossing. PVC coated doors can be made very similar to solid wood or veneer structures, which allows them to be used together with such models in the same interior.
Which is better: plastic or film on the kitchen facade
If MDF for the kitchen is the optimal basis for the facade, then there are always difficulties with the choice of the top layer. What to prefer: plastic, enamel, film? Evaluate the appearance, compare the cost, and, most importantly, determine exactly how much time you are willing to spend every day taking care of furniture.
Advantages and disadvantages of film headsets
The best combination of price, quality and aesthetics - for film facades with MDF-base. The material is unpretentious to maintain. Easy to clean with common household chemicals. The film can only deform under the influence of high temperature, steam. It is necessary to ensure that the sun's rays do not fall on the surface from the window.
The advantage is an unlimited number of design options, the ability to individually combine colors and textures, covering complex shapes.
Poppies on PVC film: designer kit
A matte film with a wood grain pattern is used to create classic headsets with carved facades.
Practical surface: no stains visible on the matte finish
Both film and plastic can serve as canvas for photo printing. Multi-colored drawings and photographs are also of practical value: they are less noticeable for water stains than on plain glossy facades.
Bright and extraordinary kitchen: film on MDF
Designers combine several colors and textures in 2 basic shades, just like in this “chocolate” kitchen.
Floral printed wrap
Design and operation of plastic headsets
Plastic MDF facades look bright: rich colors, mirror shine. The material is not afraid of the sun, high temperatures and humidity levels. But glossy plastic panels require regular maintenance. Fingerprints remain on the mirror surface, splashes of clean water leave stains.
Semi-matte plastic textures are more practical than glossy ones.
The most fashionable color of the season in a plastic kitchen facade
Glossy plastic, even in a dark color, will make a small kitchen extraordinary and spacious.
Small set with a plastic front
Lovers of gloss will have to polish the kitchen to a shine every day.
Solid color set: zest - shade
The latest "squeak" in kitchen fashion: plastic in an aluminum profile.
Acid-colored plastic with aluminum edging
Painted MDF: stylish solutions for modern kitchens
Unlike plastic and film, enamel adheres perfectly to any surface. Painted facades require careful handling and specific maintenance. The lacquered enamel must not be cleaned with conventional products containing chlorine and some surfactants. Cleaning with powders is prohibited.
Gold painted kitchen: enamel on MDF
It is best not to use hard sponges. Under aggressive action, the varnish becomes covered with a mesh of small scratches, the surface loses its shine. You can restore the original appearance by polishing, but the upper protective layer becomes thinner during polishing.It will not be possible to carry out the procedure repeatedly.
Enamel is the choice for kitchens with complex facades.
Glossy red painted headset
A combination of two colors and an interesting solution for the shape of the doors: with longitudinal stripes and contrasting colors.
Anthracite and red: a successful combination of shape, color and shine
Futuristic 3D facades without external fittings. You just need to touch the door to open the cabinet. The laconic form and complex texture are a play of contrast.
Painted textured MDF panels
Airbrushing is a feature that emphasizes the uniqueness. Each drawing is created only once.
Kitchen with a twinkle: airbrushing on enamel
Veneer and solid wood: the luxury of natural wood ↑
Veneer is increasingly being combined with other facade decoration options. For example, a patina, enamel or varnish is applied to a veneered facade. Facades with veneer are combined in one set with painted or film panels.
Patinated veneer on MDF
The veneer in a warm golden hue contrasts with the black gloss of the plastic and the photo printing on the dark glass of the apron - an interesting idea.
Design project: veneer in one set with plastic and glass
The veneer in a fashionable light-colored zebrano texture will perfectly fit into a small modern kitchen with a snow-white top tier of cabinets.
Film and veneered MDF in one set
Video: how facades are made with PVC film ↑
Video: the manufacturer shows the whole process of covering MDF panels with decorative film.
If you are at a loss with the choice of finishing decor, contact the designer. A specialist will advise which type of coating will be the best for your kitchen unit. When ordering an individual production, be sure to ask what material the base is made of. Find out which manufacturer's materials are used to cover the facades. Ask for a warranty in case there is a problem with the topcoat.
Main differences and similarities
The differences between veneer and eco-veneer begin at the stage of materials production. Natural veneer is initially peeled from the bark and divided into small pieces. Then the wood is steamed, then dried and cut. To date, 3 type of production of natural veneer, which are applied after primary processing.
- Planed way. This method involves the use of round logs and sharp knives. The thickness of the finished blade is no more than 10 mm. To obtain an unusual texture, different inclinations of the cutting elements are applied.
- Peeled method. This method is used to create canvases up to 5 mm thick. They are cut with metal cutters as the wooden base rotates.
- The sawn method. This method is considered very expensive. It involves the use of cuttings that are processed using saws.
Having dealt with the veneer production technique, you need to familiarize yourself with the creation of its analogue. Eco-veneer is the result of continuous 2-belt pressing. Each layer of eco-veneer is processed separately. Calm pressure acts on the 1st layer. The load increases for each further one. Thanks to this technology, the possibility of the formation of air pockets is eliminated, due to which the technical characteristics of the finished material are improved.
To obtain a quality product during its production, strict control of pressure and temperature is carried out. The 1st stage of production consists in the cleaning of wood raw materials and its crushing, the 2nd stage involves dyeing the fibers, the 3rd - pressing.
As you already know, veneer and eco-veneer have individual advantages and disadvantages. Consumers need to know the clear differences and similarities between these materials. There is not enough information that eco-veneer is synthetic, and veneer has a natural composition.So that in the future such questions do not arise, it is proposed to consider the detailed characteristics of these products by the method of comparison.
- Wear resistance. This parameter is the advantage of the artificial material. Eco-veneer is more stable, durable, practically does not get dirty, but if necessary, it can be cleaned with detergents. But when caring for natural veneer, it is forbidden to use aggressive chemicals. Otherwise, the surface will be irreparably damaged. In addition, the natural coating ages very quickly and does not perceive ultraviolet light.
- Moisture resistance. The basis for the veneer is MDF. This material is moisture resistant and tolerates temperature fluctuations well. Eco-veneer cladding protects the material from moisture damage. Natural veneer does not tolerate a humid environment. If the owner needs to install a veneer product in a room with high humidity, it must be covered with a moisture-resistant varnish.
- Environmental friendliness. Veneer and eco-veneer are made from environmentally friendly materials, but at the same time they have significant differences. Natural coverage wins in this matter. The eco-veneer contains synthetic substances that are also safe.
- Restoration. Natural veneer is easy to restore. You can even fix defects yourself. But if you need to fix complex damage, it is better to call the master.
Interior doors eco-veneer: what is it
The question of what an eco-veneer is can be answered by decoding its second name - CPL. It translates as Continious Pressure Laminates, which in our native language sounds like this - subject to prolonged pressing. Now we need to figure out what is being pressed for a long time - as mentioned above, it is a mixture of natural wood fibers and a synthetic binder. The structure of the obtained material has a unique volumetric effect, which misleads many people and makes them confuse natural veneer with artificial eco-veneer.
Interior doors eco-veneer
This material is produced in an interesting way - as is the case recently, only waste from the woodworking industry is used, which, with the help of special equipment, is broken into the smallest fibers. These same fibers are subsequently subjected to the process of dyeing and thorough mixing, after which they are glued into a single thin coating, which is called an eco-veneer. This technology for dyeing wood fibers eliminates differences in the dyeing of the finished product and gives it almost any shade that imitates the structure of any type of wood.
The process of pressing this material itself is also interesting - it involves the use of a double-belt press, which does its work gradually. With each subsequent step, the pressing force increases - this approach to business allows you to squeeze out even the smallest air bubbles from the mixture of sawdust and binder. As a result, at the end of the conveyor, a thin sheet material with high technical characteristics comes out - it is delivered from production in rolls and already at the door manufacturing plant is cut and applied to the products.
What is eco-veneer
What is eco-veneer?
If we consider this type of material from a technical point of view, then it is a multi-layer technological plastic, characterized by wear resistance to various types of abrasion, as well as increased impact resistance. Eco-veneer completely copies the texture of natural wood, imitates its color and pattern. Sometimes, from a distance, this material is even confused with a standard veneer, but close up it gives itself away, since it does not look so respectable. Its plastic texture, however, cannot fully convey the aesthetics of natural wood.
However, it is worth noting that eco-veneer easily imitates wood of any color palette. Plastic acquires special realism due to embossing and volume, nevertheless, close up it is still noticeable that this is not a natural veneer. So far, there is not a single technology that would completely repeat the texture of wood, but it is this material that is closest to this goal. It is ahead of laminate and a number of other artificial surfaces and is an excellent low-cost alternative. veneered interior doors... Its attractive price is considered one of the main advantages. Products with an artificial, but similar natural coating are much cheaper.
Beautiful examples
Veneer can be varied: light, dark, reddish and even striped.
The one-piece veneered facade looks very impressive, but it is not particularly durable. If your budget allows you - make your choice in favor of paneled or frame veneer. In this case, the panels are covered with veneer, and the edges are trimmed with plastic, metal or specially treated wood.
We have collected the most interesting examples of the use of veneer furniture in the kitchen. We hope that our photo selection will allow you to make a choice that will best suit your preferences and emphasize the design concept of the interior.
For the pros and cons of veneer facades for the kitchen, see the following video.
Comparison of PVC and eco-veneer
A PVC-coated door or an eco-veneer has many common characteristics. They are durable, durable and not afraid of high humidity. Structures finished with such materials can be washed with mild detergents. Small scratches and defects are not visible on the coating. Both eco-veneer and PVC can be of completely different colors.
What is the difference between PVC doors and eco-veneer
Price. The final price of the structure depends on the availability of additional decorative elements, the quality of the material, and the manufacturer. But for the most part, eco-veneer is more affordable than PVC.
Isolation from noise. There is no particular difference between doors with a VPH coating and an eco-veneer. Both coatings are not good protection against extraneous sounds. This is due to the fact that the doors have a cavity in the middle, so noise is easily passed through. However, systems with PVC foil can have a filler with insulating properties inside. In this case, such a door will protect well from noise and save heat.
Construction weight. Both species are lightweight. But when compared, doors made of eco-veneer and laminated PVC, the former have less weight. Due to this, it is easier to mount such a system, it will not sag or distort over time. Such a door does not need hinges of significant strength. But in light weight there is a certain "minus": with a strong impact, such a product can be easily damaged.
Features of care. Doors made of PVC and eco-veneer can be cleaned and washed with water, including with the addition of detergents. But eco-veneer is a more resistant material; more aggressive means can be used to clean it.
Lifetime. Materials are not afraid of temperature fluctuations, as well as significant humidity. Small damages (chips, scratches) are not visible on both coatings
The difference between eco-veneer and PVC doors is that the latter do not support combustion, which is important for living quarters.
UV resistant. Eco-veneer is not afraid of light
But PVC doors should not be installed in places where direct sunlight falls. They burn out and, when exposed to the sun, are capable of releasing toxic compounds.
As for the color, in both cases it can be anything; ekloshpon and PVC imitate natural wood well.
When deciding which doors to choose PVC or eco-veneer, you should take into account the room in which it will be installed, and all its features. If the design is intended for a bathroom, then a PVC product would be the best option.In the case when it is planned to install the system in a room (living room, bedroom), it is better to purchase an eco-veneer door, since such products look more solid.
Reviews about which doors are better than PVC or eco-veneer are ambiguous. But many believe that the latter option has more significant advantages. It is safer, is not afraid of light and does not emit anything into the air. Such material imitates wood better, due to this, at a quite budgetary price, they look quite respectable. If durability is not important, then you can opt for PVC products.
What it is?
In an effort to create a material that mimics a wooden surface, manufacturers and laboratories are setting ever higher parameters for their work. Today, in addition to the cost of products, requirements are imposed on the safety of the material during operation, minimal environmental pollution, easy maintenance in everyday life, chemical and physical strength, and variability of use. These requests are answered by a group of materials, united by the name eco-veneer. They are similar in properties, but differ slightly in manufacturing technology. The name itself suggests that the eco-veneer should resemble a tree, giving the interior nobility and elegance.
Natural solid wood furniture has many disadvantages: expensive, heavy, subject to physical wear and tear, deforms, changes color, reacts to moisture, dryness and household chemicals. To make furniture beautiful, but less whimsical and demanding to the conditions, manufacturers have learned to make only a covering from wood. This is the veneer - the thinnest wooden sheets no thicker than 5 mm, demonstrating the beauty of the natural pattern, with which to cover other materials with them. So the production becomes cheaper, and the products themselves are much more durable in their qualities.
Eco-veneer is a plastic coating obtained under high pressure from several layers of film. It is a kind of finish for modern furniture that neatly hides the seams and joints. However, the process of creating an eco-veneer can hardly be called simple. Even the material itself consists of several bases, each of which gives the product certain qualities.
Advantages and disadvantages
Artificial materials have significant advantages that eco-veneers also have. The following characteristics play a decisive role when buying furniture:
- cost - products made of eco-veneer are more affordable than veneered or natural;
- have a relatively low weight, which simplifies transportation and installation;
- durable and wear-resistant - the coating is designed for certain physical activities: daily contact, touch, slight pressure, so abrasion stains do not appear on the eco-veneer, scratches are almost invisible; the coating is resistant to chips;
- moisture resistance - the film seals the materials inside the furniture, protecting them from excessive moisture; thus, the surface itself easily tolerates wet cleaning, and furniture with an eco-veneer coating will be justified in rooms with high humidity - bathrooms, toilets, kitchens;
- variability of color - the coating convincingly copies any wood pattern, therefore, it will satisfy the wishes of aesthetes and fit into the budget; bold design solutions, bright or pastel colors can also be recreated in the interior with eco-veneer furniture;
- the coating does not fade from the sun, does not change color and is undemanding in terms of care;
- eco-veneer does not respond to changes in heat and cold;
- this material does not emit chemical compounds during operation, the quality of the eco-veneer is documented; furniture with a similar finish is suitable for installation in children's rooms and institutions specializing in working with children.
The disadvantages of the material are the flip side of the advantages, namely:
- low sound insulation - the film is too thin to drown out sound vibrations, so the reduction in noise effects will depend on other components of the furniture or doors;
- poor air exchange - the eco-veneer fits tightly on the base, leaving no gaps;
- with deep scratches and dents, the film will not be able to protect the base; such damage usually cannot be restored; the canvas will have to be changed.